Source: 15 dead in West

By Eva Ruth Moravec :
April 19, 2013
: Updated: April 20, 2013 1:00am

Rescue crews search a destroyed apartment complex near the fertilizer plant. Three schools within a half-mile of the plant also had significant damage.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

An unidentified injured member of the West VFD is over come with emotion during mass at the Church of the Assumption in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

An unidentified injured member of the West VFD is greeted by a church member as they stand in line to receive communion at Church of the Assumption in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Bishop Joe S. Vasquez (center) leaves a mass, Sunday April 21, 2013, at the Church of the Assumption after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

West Mayor Tommy Muska speaks ,Sunday April 21, 2013, during a mass at Church of the Assumption after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

Charles Mikeska, Assistant Superintendent of West ISD, looks over donations made to the West Elementary School, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

People pray during a mass at the Church of the Assumption ,Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

A mesage written on the dust covered window of a vehicle parked in front of the West Elementary School on Sunday, April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Bishop Joe S. Vasquez (center) leads a mass, Sunday April 21, 2013, at the Church of the Assumption after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Damage to a home ,Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

An unidentified family attends a worship service of First Baptist Church, whose building is too damaged to worship in, in a field used for parking during West Fest, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Bill Hromadka, 84, talks, Sunday April 21, 2013, about the damage to his home after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

Members of First Baptist Church, whose building is too damaged to worship in, met for a service in a field used for parking during West Fest, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Robert Boles, 35, picks up a high chair, Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. shattered windows in his home.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

Members of First Baptist Church, whose building is too damaged to worship in, surround and comfort Patrick Weaver, in grey hoodie and his friend Rachal, in pink, following a chruch service in a field used for parking during West Fest, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Tamisha, 26, and Robert Boles, 35, talk ,Sunday April 21, 2013, about the damage to their home after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Tamisha Boles, 26, gathers clothes, Sunday April 21, 2013, for her daughter McKayla, 7-months, from her home that was damaged by an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

Shelly Miller, in light blue, gives and receives a hug from a fellow member of First Baptist Church at a service that was held outside due to damage done their church building in West, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Robert Boles, 35, looks at the damage to his home, Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

Pastor John Crowder, right, of First Baptist Church in West, holds service in a field because the church building is too damaged to worship in, on Sunday April 21, 2013. Crowder's house was totally distroyed by the explosion.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Jeff Clark (facing camera) comforts Dustin Matus, Sunday April 21, 2013, after a mass at the Church of the Assumption in West, Tx. Matus' father Jimmy Matus was killed in the explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

An unidentified injured member of the West VFD is greeted by a church member as they pass the peace at Church of the Assumption in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Members of the Knights of Columbus attend a mass, Sunday April 21, 2013, at the Church of the Assumption after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

A memorial outside the West Volunteer Fire Department headquarters, Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

An unidentified man lifts his face to heaven with other members of First Baptist Church in prayer during an outside service due to damaged to the church's building from the explosion in West, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

A ladder truck with flowers and a black ribbon outside the West Volunteer Fire Department headquarters, Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. The majority of those that died in the explosion were first responders.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

Lisa Crowder, right, recieves a hug from Shelly Miller as the two attend an outdoor service held by First Baptist Church in West, whose building is too damaged to hold worship on Sunday April 21, 2013. Crowder and her husband, Pastor John Crowder lost their home to the explosion.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Bishop Joe S. Vasquez speaks, Sunday April 21, 2013, during a mass at the Church of the Assumption after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

Crane operators remove large sheets of metal at the site of the explosion in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

The remains of a home ,Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

Union Pacific Railroad workers repair sections of rail that was damaged located next to the site of the explosion in West, TX, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Damage to a home ,Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers direct residents ,Sunday April 21, 2013, back to their homes to retrieve belongings after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

Workers from Technology for Education out of Hewitt, TX, prepare a portable classroom which was one of three donated by Grand Prairie ISD to West ISD, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Residents retrieves belongings, Sunday April 21, 2013, from their home after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

Grand Prairie ISD donated three portable classrooms to the West ISD, complete with desks and chairs in order to open school on Monday morining. Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Damage to a home ,Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

A missing dog sign on Trish Webre's home, Sunday April 21, 2013, that was damaged by an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

A view of West Intermediate School ,Sunday April 21, 2013, that was damaged by an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Damage to a home ,Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Damage to a home ,Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

Jacki Arias, left, climbs a ladder to cover a broken window with plastic at her home in West, TX. that was shattered by the explosion. Families were let back in to see their homes which were damaged by the explosion in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Scott Tacker (second from left) and his wife Jennifer Tacker get help from Jennifer's brother Will Matus (left) as they retrieve belongings, Sunday April 21, 2013, from their home that was damaged by an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

A West resident steps out of a shattered glass storm door carrying her cat, after being allowed return to her home for the first time since the explosion, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Trish Webre removes shattered window glass from her table, Sunday April 21, 2013, in her home that was damaged by an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

Pete Arias, right, holds plastic in place over a blown out window as his wife Jacki staples it in place. Families were let back in to see their homes which were damaged by the explosion in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Damage to the Tacker home, Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

Pete Arias inspects the ceiling in the bathroom of his home in West, TX. Families were let back in to see their homes which were damaged by the explosion in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

A view of damage to Trish Webre's home, Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Bob Owen/Express-News

David Romero, center, of Hewitt, TX and his "Waco Sunday Cruise" club decided to collect cash and cruise to West, TX to present Mayor Tommy Muska, right, cash in an envelope totaling $367.00, as a donation to help the city, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Janie Beheler pauses in her aunt's Trish Webre home, Sunday April 21, 2013, that was damaged by an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

People pray during a mass at the Church of the Assumption ,Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

A Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper blocks a street,Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

First responders pay tribute, Saturday April 20, 2013, to fallen "brothers" killed in an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. as their remains are driven to Dallas.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Members of West Volunteer Fire Department leave St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption after a service honoring the department's fallen firefighters in West, Texas on Friday, Apr. 19, 2013. Five of the department's firefighters lost their lives in the West Fertilizer explosion on Wednesday.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Members of West Volunteer Fire Department depart St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption after a service honoring the department's fallen firefighters in West, Texas on Friday, Apr. 19, 2013. Five of the department's firefighters lost their lives in the West Fertilizer explosion on Wednesday.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

The remains of first responders killed in an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. are driven to Dallas Saturday April 20, 2013.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/Express-News

Members of West Volunteer Fire Department leave St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption after a service honoring the department's fallen firefighters in West, Texas on Friday, Apr. 19, 2013. Five of the department's firefighters lost their lives in the West Fertilizer explosion on Wednesday.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/Express-News

Law enforcement officials talk to residents in their vehicles about the procedure to re-enter their homes near the blast site in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. After several days of keeping the area clear for search and rescue and other safety concerns, officials were finally beginning the process of allowing families to return to their affected homes.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/Express-News

A law enforcement officer talks to residents in their vehicles about the procedure to re-enter their homes near the blast site in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. After several days of keeping the area clear for search and rescue and other safety concerns, officials were finally beginning the process of allowing families to return to their affected homes.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/Express-News

Law enforcement officials talk to residents in their vehicles about the procedure to re-enter their homes near the blast site in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. After several days of keeping the area clear for search and rescue and other safety concerns, officials were finally beginning the process of allowing families to return to their affected homes.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/Express-News

A law enforcement officer completes marking a vehicle for a resident who will be allowed to re-enter their home near the blast site in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. After several days of keeping the area clear for search and rescue and other safety concerns, officials were finally beginning the process of allowing families to return to their affected homes.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/Express-News

A Department of Public Safety officer waves through residents in their vehicles about to re-enter their homes near the blast site in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. After several days of keeping the area clear for search and rescue and other safety concerns, officials were finally beginning the process of allowing families to return to their affected homes.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Kyle Sinkule, 16, holds an American flag while riding in the bed of a pickup, Saturday April 20, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

The scene of an explosion at a fertilizer plant, Saturday April 20, 2013, that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Jacki Arias talks on her cell phone trying to get information about when she and her family can return to their home which was near the blast site in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Pete and Jacki Arias along with their eight-year-old son, Sam, walk past the distribution center to pick up pet food to possibly feed their cat that remained in their home near the blast site. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home. They were hoping to gain access to the home to at least drop off the food for their cat.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Jacki Arias (second from left) receives a hug from a neighbor, Mindy (no last name given) while picking up pet food to possibly feed their cat that remained in their home near the blast site. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Jacki Arias shows off her make-shift outfit to fellow resident Rachel Hoffman at a community center in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. Hoffman had helped Arias the day before in getting the clothes after she and her family evacuated from their home near the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Pete Arias gives his wife, Jacki, a kiss during a pause in going from place to place in West, Texas to find information about when they could return to their home in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Pete (right) and Jacki Arias listen to a phone call to possible receive news about when they could return to their home in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday night, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Jacki Arias (center) gets a hug from her eight-year-old son, Sam, as her daughter, Racheal (cq), walks past while visiting an community center in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday night, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Jacki Arias walks past a storage trailer containing a sofa while visiting a community center to get pet food in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday night, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Pete Arias talks to reporters in front of the West, Texas City Hall on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday night, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Pete (left) and Jacki Arias talk to reporters in front of the West, Texas City Hall on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday night, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Eight-year-old Sam Arias crawls out of the back of the family vehicle while his father, Pete, gets him water in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday night, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Pete Arias wonders if he can fit any more supplies in the back of their vehicle as his wife, Jacki, manages to get bedding from the distribution center on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Thursday, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Pete Arias checks his phone for any updates about when he and his family could return to their home in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday night, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Eight-year-old Sam Arias sits alone in the back his parent's SUV that is filled with supplies in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. Sam's parents, Pete and Jacki Arias had been traveling to various community centers hoping to know when they could return to their home. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday night, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

The Arias family stops at the distribution center to pick up pet food in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday night, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Pete Arias is seen wearing a pink ribbon and a wrist band that states, "God is big enough" on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The pink ribbon was put on at the distribution center in West, Texas to indicate an individual is picking up supplies. Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday night, he and his family have stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Pete (right) and Jacki Arias react when they hear from a call about the possibility of returning to their home in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday night, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Pete (right) and Jacki Arias walk hand-in-hand with to the distribution center to pick up pet food to possibly feed their cat that remained in their home near the blast site. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday night, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home. They were hoping to gain access to the home to at least drop off the food for their cat.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

State National Bank CEO Jerome Lednicky, Jr. talks ,Friday April 19, 2013, about the explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

State National Bank CEO Jerome Lednicky, Jr. locates, Friday April 19, 2013, the site of a fertilizer plant explosion, that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. and his home on a map.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

West medical director Dr. George Smith talks ,Friday April 19, 2013, about being injured in the explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

West medical director Dr. George Smith talks ,Friday April 19, 2013, about being injured in the explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Greg May Chevrolet used car manager Ronnie Owens wears a "God Bless West" t-shirt ,Friday April 19, 2013, that is being sold at the dealership after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. The money raised from the t-shirt is benefitting the West Independent School District.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

The remains of a building ,Saturday April 20, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

The scene of an explosion at a fertilizer plant, Saturday April 20, 2013, that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

West medical director Dr. George Smith talks ,Friday April 19, 2013, about being injured in the explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

State National Bank Auditor Deana Laubert talks ,Friday April 19, 2013, about the explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

The scene of an explosion at a fertilizer plant, Saturday April 20, 2013, that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

The remains of a building ,Saturday April 20, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Members of West Volunteer Fire Department attend a service at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption that honored the department's fallen firefighters in West, Texas on Friday, Apr. 19, 2013. Five of the department's firefighters lost their lives in the West Fertilizer explosion on Wednesday.

Photo By Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Members of West Volunteer Fire Department arrive at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption for a service honoring the department's fallen firefighters in West, Texas on Friday, Apr. 19, 2013. Five of the department's firefighters lost their lives in the West Fertilizer explosion on Wednesday.

Photo By Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

Flags are flown at half-staff Friday after the fertilizer plant explosion two days before.

Photo By Photos by Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

Donated goods are there for the taking at a distribution center for those affected by the blast in West. The real need now, a spokesman said, is money to rebuild.

Photo By Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

Danae Benton of China Springs, near Houston, sorts shoes that were brought to the Westfest pavilion, which was quickly turned into a distribution center for the community.

The remains of an apartment complex show the level of devastation next to the fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday night. Buildings were damaged for blocks in every direction. It won't be easy to rebuild, longtime West residents said, and the tragedy of the explosion will linger.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

McClennan County Judge Scott Felton (front) speaks as Gov. Rick Perry (rear) listens, Friday April 19, 2013, during a press conference on an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Gov. Rick Perry (left) speaks as West Mayor Tommy Muska listens,Friday April 19, 2013, during a press conference on an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Jill Lednicky and her family on Easter at the West Community Center -- where she'd later treat explosion victims. Courtesy Lednicky family

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

West Mayor Tommy Muska listens as Gov. Rick Perry talks about the disaster.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Gov. Rick Perry speaks ,Friday April 19, 2013, during a press conference on an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By JOHN DAVENPORT/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Vivian Green (facing)) hugs Jami Staggs after praying Friday April 19, 2013 at the Best Western Hotel in West, Texas. The hotel has become an area for residents affected by the fertilizer plant explosion to seek refuge, obtain food and nourishment and clothing. Green's home was damaged by the explosion and is stying with a friend.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

West Mayor Tommy Muska speaks, Friday April 19, 2013, during a press conference on an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By JOHN DAVENPORT/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Vivian Green (center, wearing white jacket) raises her head while praying Friday April 19, 2013 at the Best Western Hotel in West, Texas. The hotel has become an area for residents affected by the fertilizer plant explosion to seek refuge, obtain food and nourishment and clothing. Green's home was damaged by the explosion and is stying with her friend Carol Cole (bottom, facing away). On the right (wearing red shirt) is Delani Kosier and on the left is Jami Stagggs.

Photo By JOHN DAVENPORT/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Volunteers Mallory Ferrier (left) and Christy Kolacek unload water Friday April 19, 2013 at the Best Western Hotel in West, Texas. Ferrier and Kolacek were unloading free provisions for people affected by the fertilizer plant explosion in West Wednesday night.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Karen Bernsen hugs Eric Garcia, 12, as her daughter Katy Bernsen, 5, looks on,Thursday April 18, 2013, during a candlelight vigil at Church of the Assumption in West, Tx. for the explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

People attend a candlelight vigil at Church of the Assumption,Thursday April 18, 2013, in West, Tx. for the explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

People pray,Thursday April 18, 2013, during a candlelight vigil at Church of the Assumption in West, Tx. for the explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

People pray,Thursday April 18, 2013, during a candlelight vigil at Church of the Assumption in West, Tx. for the explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

People pray,Thursday April 18, 2013, during a candlelight vigil at Church of the Assumption in West, Tx. for the explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening.

Photo By JOHN DAVENPORT/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

This is the scene Thursday April 18, 2012 of the fertilizer plant explosion in the town of West, Texas. West is about 20 miles north of Waco.

Photo By JOHN DAVENPORT/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

A sign in front of the Sykora Ford dealership tells passers by on Interstate 35 in West, Texas where people can bring donations to help victims of the fertilizer plant explosion. Pauline Bynum, an employee at the dealership, said donations were also being made to the first responders at the scene.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

This aerial photo shows a local school, at rear, and an apartment complex, at middle right, near a fertilizer plant explosion site Thursday, April 18, 2013, in Near West, Texas. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. The explosion that struck around 8 p.m. Wednesday, sent flames shooting into the night sky and rained burning embers and debris down on shocked and frightened residents. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Photo By JOHN DAVENPORT/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Dr. Danny Owens, a surgeon at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco, said Thursday April 18, 2013 that he has seen an lot of soft tissue and skin injuries from the explosion that took place in nearby West. To the left of Owens is Dr. Jim Morrison, the hospital's Chief Medical Officer.

Photo By JOHN DAVENPORT/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Melissa James, a social worker at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, has a brother and a nephew that were injured in the explosion in West, Texas. Dr. Danny Owens, a surgeon at the hospital, said patients are still coming in.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Emergency personal gather, Thursday April 18, 2013, near the scene of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

West Thrift Shop manager Maria Galvan (left) and Anissa Adamson clean the shop as workers board up windows, Thursday April 18, 2013, at after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Workers clean up glass from shattered windows outside West Furniture, Thursday April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Workers sweep up glass and board up windows, Thursday April 18, 2013, at West Thrift Shop after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By LM Otero/Associated Press

Firefighter toss debris from an apartment during search and rescue operation after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Photo By LM Otero/Associated Press

Firefighters set a brace to hold up a sagging beam during a search and rescue operation at an apartment complex destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. The explosion that struck around 8 p.m. Wednesday, sent flames shooting into the night sky and rained burning embers and debris down on shocked and frightened residents. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Photo By LM Otero/Associated Press

Firefighter conduct search and rescue of an apartment destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Photo By JOHN DAVENPORT/John Davenport/Express-News

Smoke rises Thursday April 18, 2013 from an area where an explosion took place at a fertilizer plant near the Town of West, Texas. West is near Waco, Texas.

Photo By John Davenport/Express-News

Smoke rises Thursday April 18, 2013 from an area where an explosion took place at a fertilizer plant near the Town of West, Texas. West is near Waco, Texas.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, (left) of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Waco Police Sgt. William Swanton speaks during a press conference on the explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday April 18, 2013 in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Waco Police Sgt. William Swanton (center) speaks during a press conference on the explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday April 18, 2013 in West, Tx.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Kevin Smith, who was injured, Wednesday April 17, 2013, while at his home during an explosion at a fertilizer plant, answers questions from the media Thursday April 18, 2013 in West, Tx.

Photo By JOHN DAVENPORT/Express-News

A Texas Game Warden controls traffic flow Thursday April 18, 2013 into an area leading to where a fertilizer plant explosion took place in the town of West, Texas near Waco.

Photo By JOHN DAVENPORT/Express-News

An ambulance leaves Thursday April 18, 2013 at the area where a fertilizer blew up near the town of West, Texas.

Photo By Associated Press

In this Wednesday, April 17, 2013, photo provided by Joe Berti, a plume of smoke rises from a fertilizer plant fire near Waco, Texas. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said Thursday morning. (AP Photo/Joe Berti)

A window is shattered and a bench is overturned on a commercial strip Thursday April 18, 2013 after an explosion took place at a fertilizer plant near the town of West, Texas.

Photo By JOHN DAVENPORT/Express-News

A window is shattered on a commercial strip Thursday April 18, 2013 after an explosion took place at a fertilizer plant near the town of West, Texas.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Shattered windows at West Furniture on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West on Wednesday night.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Shattered windows on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion Wednesday night at a fertilizer plant in West.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Shattered windows at West Furniture on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion Wednesday at a fertilizer plant in West.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Shattered windows at West Furniture after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, in West, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday night.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

A local sheriff blocks Farm Road 2114 leading into West on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday night.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Shattered windows at West Thrift Shop on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion Wednesday at a fertilizer plant in West.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Shattered windows on a sidewalk on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West on Wednesday night.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

A fire truck drives near Main Street on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West on Wednesday night.

Photo By Michael Ainsworth/Associated Press

A fire burns at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an explosion Wednesday April 17, 2013 (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth/The Dallas Morning News)

Photo By Michael Ainsworth/Associated Press

A firefighter walks past a pickup truck with debris from a storage shed on it at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an explosion Wednesday April 17, 2013. A massive explosion at the fertilizer plant near Waco on Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin following a blast that damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (AP Photo/The Dallas Morning News, Michael Ainsworth) MANDATORY CREDIT; MAGS OUT; TV OUT; INTERNET USE BY AP MEMBERS ONLY; NO SALES

Photo By Rod Aydelotte/Associated Press

Smoke fills the air after a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the fertilizer plant near Waco on Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin following a blast that damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

Photo By Rod Aydelotte/Associated Press

A person looks on as emergency workers fight a house fire after a near by fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

Photo By Rod Aydelotte/Associated Press

A person looks on as emergency workers fight a house fire after a nearby fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

Rescue workers gather near a damaged apartment complex after a nearby fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the fertilizer plant near Waco on Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin following a blast that damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

Photo By Rod Aydelotte/Associated Press

An emergency worker walks through damaged apartment building following a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin and causing major damage to surrounding buildings. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

Photo By Rod Aydelotte/Associated Press

An injured elderly person is assisted by two young males as a nursing home is evacuated after an explosion at a nearby fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

Photo By Rod Aydelotte/Associated Press

Elderly persons from a nearby nursing home are triaged in a parking lot before being moved to a school stadium following a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. The explosion near Waco Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin and causing major damage to surrounding buildings. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

Photo By Rod Aydelotte/Associated Press

A fire fighter searches a nursing home that was damaged after an explosion at a neary by fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

Photo By Rod Aydelotte/Associated Press

An elderly person is assisted at a staging area at a local school stadium following an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco caused numerous injuries and sent flames shooting high into the night sky on Wednesday. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

Photo By Rod Aydelotte/Associated Press

Emergency workers assist an elderly person at a staging area at a local school stadium Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion Wednesday night at a fertilizer plant near Waco sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin, causing major damage at nearby buildings and injuring numerous people. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

Photo By Rod Aydelotte/MBO

Emergency workers evacuate elderly residents from a damaged nursing home following an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, near Waco.

Photo By Rod Aydelotte/Associated Press

Persons are seen pushing wheel chairs in front of a damaged nursing home following an explosion at a nearby fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco caused numerous injuries and sent flames shooting high into the night sky on Wednesday.(AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

Photo By WFAA-TV

This video image provided by WFAA-TV shows injured people being treated on the flood-lit the high school football field turned into a staging area after the blast in West Texas Wednesday April 17, 2013.

Photo By Kin Man Hui

WEST — Touring the devastation wreaked by an explosion at a fertilizer facility earlier in the week, the group of men and women spoke in hushed voices as they surveyed the damage Friday afternoon.

The cluster of once-tall, white structures that made up the West Fertilizer Co. facility were crushed by the blast, which so far has claimed 15 lives, most of them firefighters and paramedics who rushed to help.

Nearby, the two-story apartment complex that once housed low-income residents was a mangled mess of lumber, building materials and tenants' personal belongings. Pieces of wood, tires and other trash littered a field next door.

Across the street from the apartments, inside the red brick West Rest Haven nursing home, overturned tables, couches and chairs filled the front rooms.

The tour was for the benefit of Petr Gandalovic, an ambassador from the Czech Republic, who wanted to see the damage caused to this small farming community with a strong Czech heritage.

Block after block, homes were missing windows and swaths of roofs. Vehicles with shattered windshields had been picked up and thrown back down — some on yards.

Red and black “X's,” check marks and the letters “OK” were spray painted on exterior walls — triage markings made by Texas Task Force 1 and 2 to indicate they had been searched.

The devastation was clear, the casualties still being tallied.

By Friday evening there were still conflicting reports on the number of fatalities, the number of people missing and a timeline for when residents would be allowed to go back to their homes to survey the damage.

West Mayor Tommy Muska said at an evening briefing that 14 people were confirmed dead. Officials released no names or ages.

However, a source familiar with the search-and-rescue efforts who wasn't authorized to speak to the media put the number of fatalities at 15.

Twelve bodies were recovered in and around the plant; all are believed to be either firefighters or paramedics. Two were found in a nearby apartment complex, the source said Friday afternoon, and a man living in the West Rest Haven nursing home died after being evacuated.

Eleven other West firefighters were injured, according to a state fire marshal and firefighter website.

“It's devastating,” Muska said. “These guys are my friends. One of them was my city secretary. I talked to him every day and now he's not there.”

The names of the dead were trickling out throughout the day but none have been officially confirmed. Their bodies were being sent to the Dallas forensic center for autopsies.

About 200 people were reported injured in the blast and by Friday morning, officials had counted 50 homes destroyed. At the end of the day, searchers had cleared all buildings except one home, said Nim Kidd, chief of emergency management.

Two firetrucks and an ambulance also were destroyed.

Gov. Rick Perry said state agencies and the Legislature would be looking into whether such a residential area should have been built next to a plant that housed volatile chemicals.

“If there's a better way to do this, we want to know about it,” Perry said.

He said the plant had been inspected in 2004 and 2011 and nothing was flagged about chemicals that should not have been there.

Mostly, though, officials stressed the need to be patient and wait for the investigation to be completed.

County Judge Scott Felton said earlier in the day that it could be Friday night or Saturday morning before residents were allowed back into their neighborhoods. But that was contradicted that evening by Kidd, who said no timeline had been set and it could be “a slow process.”

“The last thing we want is to let homeowners in and have another injury,” Kidd said.

Mayor Pro Tem Steve Vanek told attendees at a Friday evening prayer vigil for first responders at the Church of the Assumption that a hotline will be set up for residents to call and leave their contact information. Officials will then call residents when it's safe to go home, Vanek said.

Felton did try to clear up what officials believed was a misunderstanding about how many people were unaccounted for. He said the list of 60 names cited by Sen. John Cornyn, who toured the area Friday, were those that hadn't been cross-checked with people in hospitals or staying with friends and family.

“We hope that (the list) drops to zero,” Cornyn said.

Felton and Muska both said they hoped there would be no more fatalities and they believed they would be able to account for everyone.

Muska lost his home in the blast and suffered a concussion when he stopped to help control traffic at the start of the fire, he said.

Asked if anyone inside the fertilizer facility could have survived, Matt Cawthon, the chief deputy of the McLennan County Sheriff's Department, replied, “They were all fatalities there.”